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Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Senior staff changes at the County Council

I just wanted to update you on some staff changes that will be happening over the next few months.We have carried out final interviews for three key posts – the Director of Adults Services, Director of Finance and Director of Public Health. I am pleased to say there are three successful candidates. More information will be circulated after due diligence has been completed.

These appointments are important steps forward in our change programme and will continue the improvements we are already making in these areas.

However, as well as welcoming new staff we will be saying goodbye to others.As you will be aware Gill Steward, our Chief Operating Officer, has been on an interim contract which has been extended until the spring of 2016.

The transformation phase comes to its conclusion in line with Gill’s contract ending next spring. For the next few months, Gill and I will continue to work together on tackling the big issues that the county faces, including the Government’s upcoming spending review, the council’s budget and working with our partners on developing our devolution proposals.Gill has been a fantastic COO and has achieved much. I and the Cabinet have very much enjoyed working with her and wish her much success in the future.

I can also confirm that Nicola Debnam, our Director of Highways and Transport, has been offered a high profile Director’s role with Highways England and will be leaving us in December.

Since her arrival, Nicola has overseen a major restructure of the Highways and Transport Department, has dealt with the impact of budget cuts and led the highway team’s response to the Shoreham Air Show tragedy.

Work has begun on finding Nicola’s replacement but she will truly be a tough act to follow.